West Pinnacle, Robe Mountain, and Basin Mountain Loop is a 7.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Berea, Kentucky that features a great forest setting and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, rock climbing, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This trail is a heart pumper. Multiple areas with steep hills to climb and multiple uphill rock scrambles requiring 4 point hand and foot support especially as you get closer to Basin Mountain. There are multiple areas for rock climbing as well.
March 10, 2021
March 7, 2021February 5, 2021A little muddy in spots, but it was quiet out there and the short rock scrambles to Basin Mountain and West Pinnacle were fun.
February 4, 2021Well marked trail. The hills will definitely work out your legs and lungs.
December 13, 2020If you bring a dog and wanna do the loop, be sure you, or your group, can hoist it up unavoidable 4-5 foot boulders at a 60 degree incline
November 20, 2020Quite challenging but worth it
November 7, 2020
September 20, 2020hike was good, no view at the top though. Not as much bouldering as I expected...
September 19, 2020It was awesome!! Will definitely be back. Great sites. But be prepared!
September 17, 2020September 12, 2020This has got to be my #1 trail so far. It was hardcore tho so be prepared. I think one of my favorite things about this trail was it was never boring. One minute your hiking thru the woods the next your climbing up some giant rock to get to the rest of the trail. Plus the views were pretty great too. Definitely will be coming back
August 19, 2020the previous reviews did a good job of summing up this trail; a lot of incline and a little bit of bouldering / technical climbing. I'd make sure to do the western/eastern loop part, dont just skip it. In that portion you really have to pull yourself up to keep going. I'm glad I didn't bring my dog as I'd have had a trouble pulling him up some of the steeper parts, but it's not impossible, especially if you a) had a smaller dog or b) had a 2nd person to pass a dog between you. I tracked the hike at 1hr:47mins over 7.35 miles with a 5 min turn around
August 10, 2020Great hike! I did it yesterday and wandered a little bit, but it was 8.2 miles at the end of my hike. It’s got some spots that I’d imagine could be difficult for someone who doesn’t hike often, especially if you take a left down sacred shadow trail. At the bend of ss trail, there are great opportunities for beginning climbers to boulder. ~20 foot tall rocks to mess around with. A few parts of the hike require you pretty much to go all fours and move up steep and narrow pathways on rock. It was one of my favorite hikes of the summer.
March 4, 2020September 22, 2019It's a great trail if you want a challenge. view wise, not much to look at once you hit the end.
September 1, 2019My first time hiking the pinnacles, trials were maintained and well marked. Fun hike but not an easy one!!
June 23, 2019For the pinnacles, this route has to be the most extreme in my opinion. lots of climbing up rocks and steep hills. Shaded and wooded, this trail is long, scenic and quiet. Lots of fallen trees so make sure you have good shoes, and a walking stick if that’s something you prefer. Got my workout in forsure, I plan to come back.
June 15, 2019Good for trail running or casual hiking. Will be disappointing for avid hikers who are expecting this to be hard as it is rated on the app. Only a few hundred feet of elevation gain right up front and then you’re essentially traversing the ridge to get to various viewpoints on the pinnacles. Surprisingly nice visitors center at the base with plenty of parking. Go inside for a trail map if you need one.
May 27, 2019May 11, 2019Ignore the West and East Pinnacle portion. The Basin Mtn. took most of the time and it was wonderful! Head toward Buzzards Rest and take the sign for Kelly's "required fun". Excellent hike.
February 22, 2019Incredible vistas for a quick day hike.
January 13, 2019of all the trails in the indian fort theater area, this one is by far the most challenging.
November 25, 2018Absolutely loved this trail. Gorgeous views and exciting hike - Sometimes felt more like climbing than hiking! Will definitely return.
August 30, 2018This is a very nice trail that is well marked. My wife and I didn’t think it was very hard. Just a short drive from Lexington.
August 9, 2018Leads you to a very peaceful place. Pack lunch!
May 12, 2018
First to Review** I didn't do the West Pinnacle part of the trail. Just went up to the top towards Indian Fort Lookout and then diverted off to Robe and Basin Mountains. Decent hike. No good overlook views though. Almost had a good view at the end, on Basin Mountain, but it wasn't quite the payoff that I hoped for. The views from East Pinnacle are much, much better. The one cool part about this trail was climbing up the middle of the rock facing.
April 4, 2021
